Inlay Shell Types - ContinuedSHELL TYPES: WHITE MOTHER OF PEARL; (Pinctada maxima) Plain with iridescence.
FIGURED WHITE MOTHER OF PEARL; As above but with additional irregular figure
or “rippling”.
GOLD MOTHER OF PEARL; (Pinctada maxima) Cut to produce one side of deep golden colour. Excellent
with gold hardware or when used to create a mellow “Vintage Effect”. N.B. Care
must be taken to inlay this type of shell as flush as is possible to avoid sanding
out the colour.
BLACK-LIP PEARL/TAHITI BLACK PEARL; (Pinctada margaritifera) Grey to iridescent black often with surprising
flashes of green & red colouring. Superb with maple fretboards. Also makes glorious
Truss Rod Covers. As with Gold MOP, care must be taken when inlaying to avoid
excessive sanding which might eliminate the colour.
BROWN-LIP PEARL; Colours vary but the best of it is like burnished copper;
absolutely stunning.
Inlay Shell Types - Continued